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Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game
A highly original and groundbreaking book from a noted PGA coach and Buddhist instructor • “The lessons in Zen Golf make the mental game seem so simple. Dr. Parent has given me very effective methods for working with thoughts and emotions, and for taking the negatives out of the picture.” —Vijay Singh, Masters and PGA Champion
By combining classic insights and stories from Zen tradition, Zen Golf helps eliminate the mental distractions that routinely cause poor shots and loss of concentration, allowing golfers to feel in “the zone” that professionals have learned to master.
The best players know that golf is a game of confidence, and most important, concentration–the ability to focus and block out distraction. The goal of achieving clear thought is also at the heart of Buddhist teachings. PGA coach and Buddhist instructor Dr. Joseph Parent draws on this natural connection and teaches golfers how to clear their minds, achieve ultimate focus, and play in the moment for each shot.
Zen Golf presents a simple system for building “mental game mastery.” Dr Parent’s unique PAR Approach (focusing on Preparation, Action, and Response to Results) guides golfers with specific techniques for each aspect of their games. In chapters such as “How to Get From the Practice Tee to the First Tee”, “You Produce What You Fear”, and “How to Enjoy a Bad Round of Golf”, the author shares a personal teaching regimen that has helped improve the games of professionals and amateurs alike.
Clear, concise, and enlightening, Zen Golf shows golfers how to prepare for, execute, and equally important, respond the results of any golf shot. A different approach to golf instruction, this book shapes ancient philosophies into new teachings.
By combining classic insights and stories from Zen tradition, Zen Golf helps eliminate the mental distractions that routinely cause poor shots and loss of concentration, allowing golfers to feel in “the zone” that professionals have learned to master.
The best players know that golf is a game of confidence, and most important, concentration–the ability to focus and block out distraction. The goal of achieving clear thought is also at the heart of Buddhist teachings. PGA coach and Buddhist instructor Dr. Joseph Parent draws on this natural connection and teaches golfers how to clear their minds, achieve ultimate focus, and play in the moment for each shot.
Zen Golf presents a simple system for building “mental game mastery.” Dr Parent’s unique PAR Approach (focusing on Preparation, Action, and Response to Results) guides golfers with specific techniques for each aspect of their games. In chapters such as “How to Get From the Practice Tee to the First Tee”, “You Produce What You Fear”, and “How to Enjoy a Bad Round of Golf”, the author shares a personal teaching regimen that has helped improve the games of professionals and amateurs alike.
Clear, concise, and enlightening, Zen Golf shows golfers how to prepare for, execute, and equally important, respond the results of any golf shot. A different approach to golf instruction, this book shapes ancient philosophies into new teachings.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
February 7, 2016
Zen Golf: Mastering the Inner Game by Joseph Parent
TITLE: Why a book about golf has value for all business leaders, regardless of whether they play golf or not!
Initially, I found my ego whining about the title of the book.... "Another, quick fix magic dust inner golf book". However, I picked it up because it kept popping back up in to my awareness.
Still a bit resistant, I began reading about the author, Joseph Parent. What I learned is that he is accomplished and acclaimed as a Sports Psychologist and has studied Zen with people I admire, have read and who impact my spiritual practice. Now, with more interest and excitement, I picked up an audio copy of his book, completed that and have now ordered a paper copy.
I had previously read Bob Rotella's Golf is not a Game of Perfect. A fine book and one that helped me increase my ability to manifest a vision. Joseph Parent's book takes me further down this path and strengthens what I have learned from Rotella (I recommend both books).
I have practiced meditation and read Zen for some time. Most people, myself included, struggle with how to viscerally feel a vision (whether the next golf shot I am about to take or next years business goals). Without living/feeling as if a vision is your reality, we all make it much much harder to manifest/create a vision. What Parent does so simply and clearly is to explain steps to getting your intellectual head out of the way and how to get those powerful feeling states engaged, increasing your ability to succeed!
For me, it is one of the best golf books I have encountered. Let's not stop there.... Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game is a great business book.... well... life book. First, it is the best aide I have experienced for teaching business owners/executives on how to create and execute vision. Second, every exercise and practice offered by Dr. Parent is at its core focused on increasing awareness, setting intention and follow through, all foundational approaches, in which I believe and use.
I have taken his exercises out on the putting green and driving range and experienced significant improvement. In addition, I have used his suggestions and offered technics on the course to manage my mental state after hitting a good shot or a bad shot. Both of these practices have improved both my score and my enjoyment of the game of golf.
As I have incorporated these same technics in to my professional practice with business owners/executives, I have heard repeatedly, from my clients that they feel more confident in setting a vision and that it will result in achieving the goals they desire.
If you want to create something in your life (whether on the golf course or off of it) I highly recommend this book.
January 25, 2009
Best golf book I have ever read as far as improving your game.
January 7, 2011
Yup, it’s all about your head…life and golf. Best golf instruction book ever. I will read this through again and again.
September 13, 2021
I mean, it can't hurt can it?
July 14, 2022
I read/listen to mental-game advice books about other sports to prepare for competing in chess tournaments. My first chess coach put me on to this idea. He always seemed to recommend golf and tennis books, games I understood, but didn't play. This book focuses on preparation, action, and response ("PAR" - get it?), which are very much a part of every chess move and game. These three phases are described from a mindfulness perspective which happens to fit my meditation practice nicely. The re-telling of old Zen stories and specific advice about golf is interesting even if I've heard the Zen ones many times before and even though I don't play golf. One really wonderful section of this book covers the idea of "playing without caring". I've always been mystified by the phrase since it can't possibly be true. The author teases apart the meanings of "care" in the context of sport. Of course you care, or you wouldn't bother playing. But another meaning is "worry". If you can play without worry, you will have more peace, enjoyment, and better results than if you try to act as if you don't care about how well you do. An interesting thing happens when I work from the point of view of another sport: I have to actively map the ideas to competitive chess. This translation work is more engaging than just going out and doing the golf-specific exercises recommended. I think The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance and Golf is Not a Game of Perfect are also good, but Joseph Parent was trained by some great meditation teachers and his application of Shambala Warrior ideas to sport connect to how I want to feel when I sit down to play a game of chess. Even if you don't play golf this is a very good mental-game book.
March 12, 2019
It's like The Inner Game of Tennis but for golfers. Lots of good ideas to help calm yourself and play better. Perhaps too many ideas for the average weekend golfer to assimilate and put into practice.
August 14, 2021
I’m guilty of not being kind to myself on the golf course. The author has good ways to improve our negative self talk to improve our happiness on and off the course. This transcends to less stress and anxiety and in turn improves our scores.
November 2, 2020
Amazing teachings and examples on how to apply valuable life lessons through the golf lens, particularly focused on the mental and composure aspect of it! Just bought three extra copies to gift to my friends :)
June 14, 2023
Helps you feel better about being bad at golf
Read
June 12, 2024Tommel opp, jeg er sinnsykt god i (disc)golf nå :D
September 13, 2025
I hate golf
May 13, 2022
Some nice wellness and mindset strategies for when you are on the golf course.
November 9, 2023
Overlaps into everyday life very easily. I find myself being more Zen in both life and golf. Gonna be keeping this around to read excerpts from time to time
July 4, 2022
as a golf aid, 5 stars. as a pure book, meh.
maybe improved my game by 1 stroke a round. and for the cost of the book, very much worth it.
maybe improved my game by 1 stroke a round. and for the cost of the book, very much worth it.
April 4, 2024
- respirar hondo
- orientarse a los procesos en vez de a los resultados
- vivir fluido
- hacer las cosas con armonía
- estar en el aquí y ahora
- reconocer lo bueno
- aprender de lo malo
- visualizar
- dejar ir el control para estar en control
- ver las cosas como son sin pasar juicio alguno
todas estas frases nos hacen sentido pero son tan difíciles de implementar en la practica, en nuestra vida diaria. Otro libro de golf que se parece mas a un libro sobre la vida. Es que al final la vida es como el golf y el golf es como la vida.
Y todos los conceptos Zen son tan simples que duele. Porque al final de todo la vida es eso, hacer lo simple bien.
- orientarse a los procesos en vez de a los resultados
- vivir fluido
- hacer las cosas con armonía
- estar en el aquí y ahora
- reconocer lo bueno
- aprender de lo malo
- visualizar
- dejar ir el control para estar en control
- ver las cosas como son sin pasar juicio alguno
todas estas frases nos hacen sentido pero son tan difíciles de implementar en la practica, en nuestra vida diaria. Otro libro de golf que se parece mas a un libro sobre la vida. Es que al final la vida es como el golf y el golf es como la vida.
Y todos los conceptos Zen son tan simples que duele. Porque al final de todo la vida es eso, hacer lo simple bien.
March 20, 2015
I play disc golf and compete in PDGA (Pro. Disc Golf Assoc.) tournaments. I was a competitor in the 2011 pro world championships, where I achieved my goal of not finishing DFL (dead f'ing last)—but only barely. Though I've improved my game a lot over the years, I've struggled with my mental game. So before a big tournament last weekend, I gave the audiobook of Zen Golf, read by the author, a listen.
I loved this book, and I know I'll be re-reading (listening) many more times. It eloquently reinforced much of what I've learned—but struggled to apply with consistency—about the mental side of (disc) golf, while offering many suggestions for reframing one's approach to golf. I applied some of the book's techniques to great effect, though reading the book so soon before my tournament meant I occasionally was thinking about what I'd read when I should have been focusing on my game, ironically.
I know the ideas in this book are good and true because I've learned most of them myself at one time or another in striving to improve my game. Dr. Parent's clear explanations of these ideas and his suggestions for putting them into practice have already sped up the process of integrating what I've been up to now learning slowly, bit by bit. I look forward to absorbing this approach to (disc) golf and applying it in practice and in future tournaments. I'll let you know if my scores improve.
I loved this book, and I know I'll be re-reading (listening) many more times. It eloquently reinforced much of what I've learned—but struggled to apply with consistency—about the mental side of (disc) golf, while offering many suggestions for reframing one's approach to golf. I applied some of the book's techniques to great effect, though reading the book so soon before my tournament meant I occasionally was thinking about what I'd read when I should have been focusing on my game, ironically.
I know the ideas in this book are good and true because I've learned most of them myself at one time or another in striving to improve my game. Dr. Parent's clear explanations of these ideas and his suggestions for putting them into practice have already sped up the process of integrating what I've been up to now learning slowly, bit by bit. I look forward to absorbing this approach to (disc) golf and applying it in practice and in future tournaments. I'll let you know if my scores improve.
May 23, 2017
In Zen Golf, Parent teaches methods for maintaining one's cool under pressure by staying in the moment and avoiding useless judgments. Patience, calm and dignity are the keys. They lead to clear-headed golf and that will improve scores.
None of this is new information. But Parent offers some mental exercises, many borrowed from Buddhist teachings, that may be helpful to those who are impatient or quick to anger.
None of this is new information. But Parent offers some mental exercises, many borrowed from Buddhist teachings, that may be helpful to those who are impatient or quick to anger.
Read
June 7, 2013SERENITY NOW! nope, didn't help.
August 27, 2013
Some real good tips. I'm now a master.
March 8, 2018
Zen Golf Book Review
Summary:
Zen Golf, Mastering the Mental Game by Dr. Joseph Parent, contains three main sections. Getting Started: A different Perspective, The PAR Approach: Preparation, Action, Response to Results and Following Through: A Game of Honor. Getting Started: A different Perspective, starts of with either a story, puzzle, riddle, quote and relates it to golf and Buddhism. The PAR approach: P stands for Preparation and talks about how to gain confidence by practicing the 3 c’s , Clarity commitment and composure. This section includes such things as imagery, getting rid of doubt or hesitation and staying calm and focused. A stands for Action and discusses having an ideal state of mind, staying in the present and getting your body and mind synchronized. The goal of this section is to allow you to execute a shot free from interference of mental chatter or paralysis by analysis. Response to results is the last stage of the Par Approach. This section includes post shot routines, ways to recognize and undo negativity and self sabotage and techniques for changing habits. The goal of the section is to reinforce good shots with positive feelings and self encouragement, have minimum emotional distress around poor shots, maintain a sense of humour and refrain from beating yourself up. These ways of responding to results will give you the best chance of success. The last chapter is called Following Through: A Game of Honor, is based on shambala golf and its values of virtue, discipline, humor, dignity, gentle inquisitive fearlessness and Friendship.
Overview:
I really enjoyed Zen Golf because of its practical mental tips, its enjoyable stories, and its ability to make you see a different perspective.
Pros:
I felt the book was especially strong in changing your thinking or perspective.
I especially enjoyed how the book flowed and was easy to read.
I was captivated by the stories and lessons you learned from them.
The biggest appeal for me was the practical mental tips you can use on the golf course.
Quote:
‘A Zen student went for an interview with his master. The student said, “I know this may require a very lengthy and complex answer, but I request guidelines for conducting myself wherever I am, so that my attitude and behavior are always excellent.”
The master said, “Actually, the answer is quite brief and simple: In every situation, conduct yourself as if your five-year-old child were watching you.” ‘
I want to thank Dr. Joseph Parent for providing a copy of this amazing book. Another great book of his that’s worth checking out is “The Best Diet Book Ever: The Zen of Losing Weight “.
For more reviews check us out at: GolfAidReviews.org
Summary:
Zen Golf, Mastering the Mental Game by Dr. Joseph Parent, contains three main sections. Getting Started: A different Perspective, The PAR Approach: Preparation, Action, Response to Results and Following Through: A Game of Honor. Getting Started: A different Perspective, starts of with either a story, puzzle, riddle, quote and relates it to golf and Buddhism. The PAR approach: P stands for Preparation and talks about how to gain confidence by practicing the 3 c’s , Clarity commitment and composure. This section includes such things as imagery, getting rid of doubt or hesitation and staying calm and focused. A stands for Action and discusses having an ideal state of mind, staying in the present and getting your body and mind synchronized. The goal of this section is to allow you to execute a shot free from interference of mental chatter or paralysis by analysis. Response to results is the last stage of the Par Approach. This section includes post shot routines, ways to recognize and undo negativity and self sabotage and techniques for changing habits. The goal of the section is to reinforce good shots with positive feelings and self encouragement, have minimum emotional distress around poor shots, maintain a sense of humour and refrain from beating yourself up. These ways of responding to results will give you the best chance of success. The last chapter is called Following Through: A Game of Honor, is based on shambala golf and its values of virtue, discipline, humor, dignity, gentle inquisitive fearlessness and Friendship.
Overview:
I really enjoyed Zen Golf because of its practical mental tips, its enjoyable stories, and its ability to make you see a different perspective.
Pros:
I felt the book was especially strong in changing your thinking or perspective.
I especially enjoyed how the book flowed and was easy to read.
I was captivated by the stories and lessons you learned from them.
The biggest appeal for me was the practical mental tips you can use on the golf course.
Quote:
‘A Zen student went for an interview with his master. The student said, “I know this may require a very lengthy and complex answer, but I request guidelines for conducting myself wherever I am, so that my attitude and behavior are always excellent.”
The master said, “Actually, the answer is quite brief and simple: In every situation, conduct yourself as if your five-year-old child were watching you.” ‘
I want to thank Dr. Joseph Parent for providing a copy of this amazing book. Another great book of his that’s worth checking out is “The Best Diet Book Ever: The Zen of Losing Weight “.
For more reviews check us out at: GolfAidReviews.org
September 9, 2020
This book is all about the mental game of golf, specifically how you can apply mindfulness/Buddhist principles to golf. Not only did I find the many lessons in this book helpful for my golf game, but I found that they also applied to much more than just golf.
After reading this book I have found that I am much more comfortable out on the golf course because I know how to play within my own skillset and don’t have unrealistic expectations. I also know that golf, just like life, can have unpredictable outcomes. A good swing might generate a bad lie, or a bad swing might get lucky and make it onto the green. Either way, you have to make the best out of the cards your dealt and enjoy the process. Sometimes I get too focused on the competition of golf, but that’s only half the fun! You get to enjoy 2 or 4 hours (9 or 18 holes) of time with your best friends or you get to meet people who are also excited about a sport you love. Both cases are a win, and they should be treated as such no matter what the scorecard says.
After reading this book I have found that I am much more comfortable out on the golf course because I know how to play within my own skillset and don’t have unrealistic expectations. I also know that golf, just like life, can have unpredictable outcomes. A good swing might generate a bad lie, or a bad swing might get lucky and make it onto the green. Either way, you have to make the best out of the cards your dealt and enjoy the process. Sometimes I get too focused on the competition of golf, but that’s only half the fun! You get to enjoy 2 or 4 hours (9 or 18 holes) of time with your best friends or you get to meet people who are also excited about a sport you love. Both cases are a win, and they should be treated as such no matter what the scorecard says.
May 18, 2024
Helpful and Fantastic!
"Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game" by Dr. Joseph Parent is an insightful and transformative read for any golfer seeking to improve not just their physical game, but their mental approach as well. The book combines principles of Zen with practical golf advice, offering a unique perspective on how to handle the psychological challenges of the sport. Dr. Parent's wisdom helps readers identify and overcome negative mental habits, such as frustration and self-doubt, which often undermine performance. The strategies and exercises provided are not just theoretical; they are practical tools that can be applied on and off the course. Whether you're a seasoned player or a novice, "Zen Golf" provides valuable techniques to think more positively and play more consistently. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to elevate their game by mastering the mental aspects of golf.
"Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game" by Dr. Joseph Parent is an insightful and transformative read for any golfer seeking to improve not just their physical game, but their mental approach as well. The book combines principles of Zen with practical golf advice, offering a unique perspective on how to handle the psychological challenges of the sport. Dr. Parent's wisdom helps readers identify and overcome negative mental habits, such as frustration and self-doubt, which often undermine performance. The strategies and exercises provided are not just theoretical; they are practical tools that can be applied on and off the course. Whether you're a seasoned player or a novice, "Zen Golf" provides valuable techniques to think more positively and play more consistently. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to elevate their game by mastering the mental aspects of golf.
January 8, 2019
At the second paragraph it talks about four kinds of student. The Author used 4 cups to describe them . the 1st cup which is upside down means the student cannot learn anything then there is no attention . on the 2nd cup is right side up but there is a hole that means still the student listen to what teacher says but they don’t really remember that so actually they don’t really learn things . The third cup is right side up , there’s no holes in the cup, but there is dirt covered so when the clean water goes in, the dirt makes is cloudy and all the content be not actually what the teachers told about. And The fourth cup with Right side up And no holes and the dirt in the cup, which describes the student who is ready learn things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2019
Ever heard the expression, you are your own worst enemy? “Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game", by Joseph Parent tries to get you and yourself to be friends again. He does this by providing tools to encourage proper mindsets and strengthen one’s emotional intelligence. Nothing in the book is ground breaking or new, but rather good points packaged neatly together.
The ideas in this book lend themselves to anyone, and not just golfers. I liked how the author used stories and anecdotal tales to bring about his points. I would recommend the book. While it is not too long, you might want to take your time to give yourself the ability to reflect on some of the concepts.
The ideas in this book lend themselves to anyone, and not just golfers. I liked how the author used stories and anecdotal tales to bring about his points. I would recommend the book. While it is not too long, you might want to take your time to give yourself the ability to reflect on some of the concepts.
April 25, 2020
1. While this book is a quick read as-is, I would have found it more useful if it further synthesized key lessons and drills, as I found only ~60% of the book interesting / relevant.
2. With that said, there are a few gems in here for actionable drills / tips to improve your golf game. I've saved those, and am sure I'll reference them from time to time.
3. While there are certainly lessons in golf that can be applied to life in general, Parent's attempt to combine the two messages dilutes the impact of each goal. His message would have been more impactful if he split them across two books, one on golf, and on one his experience with Buddhist teachings.
2. With that said, there are a few gems in here for actionable drills / tips to improve your golf game. I've saved those, and am sure I'll reference them from time to time.
3. While there are certainly lessons in golf that can be applied to life in general, Parent's attempt to combine the two messages dilutes the impact of each goal. His message would have been more impactful if he split them across two books, one on golf, and on one his experience with Buddhist teachings.
January 27, 2021
An outstanding practicle handbook to integrate Zen into sport as well as learning to play with more freedom.
-Unconditional Confidence - not tying your self worth to your results
- Avoid the Anyways - don't play shots with excuses
-Importance of a clear mental image of your shot - Trust your Swing
-Emptiness in Swing phase
-Slow-Mo walk up --> more deliberate process
- Find Stillness under the waves during a storm
-Trust and compassion with oneself
-Mark your bad habits and watch them decrease
-Nothing good comes from negative self talk
-Surf the Waves
-Let go of your attachment to the comfort of mediocracy
- Gentle, curious, fearless
-Unconditional Confidence - not tying your self worth to your results
- Avoid the Anyways - don't play shots with excuses
-Importance of a clear mental image of your shot - Trust your Swing
-Emptiness in Swing phase
-Slow-Mo walk up --> more deliberate process
- Find Stillness under the waves during a storm
-Trust and compassion with oneself
-Mark your bad habits and watch them decrease
-Nothing good comes from negative self talk
-Surf the Waves
-Let go of your attachment to the comfort of mediocracy
- Gentle, curious, fearless
September 11, 2023
Audio version read by the author.
I went straight into this from Jon Sherman's Four Foundations of Golf and I know which book I prefer. There was no bad advice or lesson in Zen Golf, but nothing really remarkable either. I can see this being really helpful for someone who gets in their head in a bad way on the course and is prone to letting frustration get the better of them, but if that's no the case this book might just feel like platitudes. That's how it for me. The recording sounds very old had hasn't been remastered. It really hampers the delivery and definitely impacted my engagement.
I went straight into this from Jon Sherman's Four Foundations of Golf and I know which book I prefer. There was no bad advice or lesson in Zen Golf, but nothing really remarkable either. I can see this being really helpful for someone who gets in their head in a bad way on the course and is prone to letting frustration get the better of them, but if that's no the case this book might just feel like platitudes. That's how it for me. The recording sounds very old had hasn't been remastered. It really hampers the delivery and definitely impacted my engagement.
December 13, 2020
I have played golf for over 45 years, and have achieved some success (handicap 11), that I would suggest establishes me as an above-average player. However, the mental game of golf has always been an enormous challenge for me, and I'm convinced keeps me from achieving my full potential. This book is full of wisdom and also offers a number of practical tips that I can't wait to put into practice. It's a quick read, short chapters allowing frequent pauses, and should be a part of any serious golfer's library. Highly recommended.
May 13, 2021
Thoughtful read
As I was reading this, I've watched several interviews with a PGA players who sound like they have read it several times. i picture Michelson leading meditation classes. Parent gives a deep dive in how to stay in your game and enjoy the process. It might be a little more of a thoughtful read than some might be looking for , but it does have Zen in the name. For me its worth a second one read.
As I was reading this, I've watched several interviews with a PGA players who sound like they have read it several times. i picture Michelson leading meditation classes. Parent gives a deep dive in how to stay in your game and enjoy the process. It might be a little more of a thoughtful read than some might be looking for , but it does have Zen in the name. For me its worth a second one read.
December 28, 2021
Great book for avid golfers, casual golfers, and even non-golfers. The lessons taught in this book apply to not only the game of golf but to everyday life. The author uses many stories to tie in the purpose of each lesson, and the lessons are written concisely in a way that is easily digestible for the reader. I will surely be referencing this book in the future when my golf game is not quite up to par.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews